Devil Ball Golf

Bill Haas fired his own brother as caddy en route to Round 1 lead at the Masters

Bill Haas hits off the 15th fairway during the first round of the Masters golf tournament Thursday, April 10, 2014, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Masters is a demanding mistress. You want to make her happy, you'd better be prepared to throw everything else in your life overboard ... and for Bill Haas, that even includes his own brother.

Shortly before the Masters, Haas fired his brother Jay Haas Jr. as his caddy and hired Scott Gneiser on the bag. Gneiser has experience in major championships, having helped David Toms win the 2001 PGA Championship.

"I needed to switch it up," Haas said. "My brother has been on the bag a bunch for a few years, and I think I needed a change."

Haas hopes that Gneiser will bring a steadying influence. "He was available and has a major win," Haas said. "He's been under the gun, played a lot of big events. He's seen it. I don't think he can do anything but help me, and I just like him."

It makes perfect business and golf sense, but oh, is it cold. Add to that the fact that Haas has a long lineage of Masters play in his family, including his father Jay Haas and his great-uncle Bob Goalby, the 1968 winner, and you've got a cringeworthy Thanksgiving coming up in the Haas household.

Unless he wins, of course. At that point, perhaps they can smooth over any family dissent with a round of golf at Augusta.

Haas held the lead after Round 1, shooting a 4-under 68.

On tour since 2002, Haas has five career victories, all coming since 2010.